Honestly this trip was not something I had been looking forward to all along. I dreaded going there, especially when going means missing my mom and friends birthdays. I loathed missing events in the cause of national service. Even the first sign was not a good one when my beloved bag strap snapped the moment I checked in into the airport. It was my 18th year old birthday by the way.

The climate, the food and of course the living conditions were nowhere near on par with what I have here. I have no internet connection throughout my stay. I eat with disposable plates and spoons. I drink from bottled mineral water. And I have alot of free time with absolutely nothing to do.

At first i thought it was shit to the max. But in the freetimes, I began to start thinking about things. My life, my future, family. In short what I wanted for myself in life and how can I achieve all those. In the end, I sorted out alot of thoughts which I thought I would never have the chance to really sit down and pause in my current life to ponder about.

I began to appreciate the trip. I read an excellent book, done exercises, learnt about the culture in India and most importantly found what I should be heading down in the next few years to come.

I’ve been to Taj Mahal. I survived the hot afternoons and curry. But if given another chance to go again, I think I would refuse. Once is enough honestly.